my old man died at 47. with the big C, we lived in england up untill a year before he died. and we moved back to scotland. he shifted us all six kids between 9 and 17. my mam was only 38. . he then bought a big alsation pup. and was diagnosed two weeks later. we recon that allthough he couldnt have known, his body wasnt right and he came home to die. he didnt feel strong enough to protect us and thats where the dog came into his mind.
best thing he ever did was get that dog and i remember him getting me to bring sheba to the hospital window to see her. it brought a big beaming smile